Coloring system with encapsulated dyes

Abstract

A method for creating color images is provided. This method includes providing at least one color precursor, wherein the color precursor is contained within microcapsules of predetermined sizes or variable sizes; providing a substrate, wherein the substrate is coated with at least one-color-triggering developer; depositing the microcapsules on the surface of the substrate; and creating an image on the substrate by applying pressure to the microcapsules in a controlled manner, wherein the pressure is sufficient to rupture the microcapsules, wherein rupturing the microcapsules releases the color precursor for reacting with the color-triggering developer, and wherein the reaction of the color precursor with the color-triggering developer creates color on the surface of the substrate.

1 . A system for creating colorful images, comprising:
 (a) at least one color precursor, wherein the color precursor is contained within microcapsules of predetermined size;   (b) a substrate adapted to receive the microcapsules on the surface thereof wherein the surface of the substrate is coated with at least one color-triggering developer;   (c) means for applying force to the microcapsules sufficient to rupture the polymer micro-particles;   (d) wherein rupturing the microcapsules releases the color precursor for reacting with the color-triggering developer, and wherein the reaction of the color precursor with the color-triggering developer creates color on the surface of the substrate.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one color precursor further comprises at least one leuco dye. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the microcapsules that contain the color precursor are provided in a loose powder form. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the microcapsules that contain the color precursor are provided in compacted powder form. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the microcapsules are about 5-20 μm in diameter. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one color-triggering developer further comprises at least one Lewis acid. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the color precursor and substrate are provided in a kit, and wherein the kit includes:
 (i) an optional applicator for use with the color precursor; and   (ii) a set of instructions.   
   
   
       8 . A system for creating colorful images on a substrate, comprising:
 (a) at least one leuco-dye color precursor, wherein the color precursor is contained within microcapsules having a diameter of about 1-3000 μm;   (b) a substrate adapted to receive the microcapsules on the surface thereof wherein the surface of the substrate is coated with at least one color-triggering developer, and wherein the at least one color-triggering developer further includes at least one Lewis acid;   (c) an object for applying mechanical force to the microcapsules in a controlled manner and in an amount sufficient to rupture the polymer micro-particles;   (d) wherein rupturing the microcapsules releases the color precursor for reacting with the color-triggering developer, and wherein the reaction of the color precursor with the color-triggering developer creates color on the surface of the substrate.   
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the microcapsules that contain the color precursor are provided in a loose powder form. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the microcapsules that contain the color precursor are provided in compacted powder form. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the substrate further comprises paper. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the object for applying mechanical force to the microcapsules is a human finger. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the color precursor and substrate are provided in a kit, and wherein the kit includes:
 (i) an optional applicator for use with the color precursor; and   (ii) a set of instructions.   
   
   
       14 . A method for creating color images, comprising:
 (a) providing at least one color precursor, wherein the color precursor is contained within microcapsules of predetermined size;   (b) providing a substrate, wherein the substrate is coated with at least one-color-triggering developer;   (c) depositing the microcapsules on the surface of the substrate; and   (d) creating an image on the substrate by applying pressure to the microcapsules in a controlled manner, wherein the pressure is sufficient to rupture the microcapsules, wherein rupturing the microcapsules releases the color precursor for reacting with the color-triggering developer, and wherein the reaction of the color precursor with the color-triggering developer creates color on the surface of the substrate.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising providing the color precursor and substrate are in a kit, wherein the kit includes an optional applicator for use with the color precursor; and a set of instructions. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one color precursor further comprises at least one leuco dye. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the microcapsules that contain the color precursor are provided in a loose powder form. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the microcapsules that contain the color precursor are provided in compacted powder form. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the microcapsules are about 5-20 μm in diameter. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one color-triggering developer further comprises at least one Lewis acid.